Don Beaver

A star was born on Jan. 8, 1940 in Cushing, Okla. to Avery Burl and Lily Lauvell Beaver. Don Beaver was called to heaven on June 29, 2012 after only 72 short years. Don was raised in Shafter, Calif. until 1959 when his dad, who worked for Superior Oil Co., was transferred to Cortez. He lived in Cortez for two years then joined the Air Force. Don and Vickie Bewley met while he was stationed at Vandenburg Air Force Base. They dated for nine months then married on April 11, 1965, two days after he was discharged from the Air Force.

Four years later on July 2, 1969 they were blessed with a son, Sean. Don provided for his family by working for Union Oil Co. for 30 years. After that he got a part time job at Santa Maria Ford for almost 15 years. He retired in April 2011 for health reasons.

In his spare time, Don enjoyed doing projects around the house, going to Vegas, playing poker on the computer, playing canasta with family and friends, and going out to dinner. Vickie truly feels honored and blessed that God chose her to be his wife. And as difficult as it was for them to watch his journey end, it was even harder to say goodbye.

Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vickie, and son Sean of Santa Maria, Calif.; two sisters, Janis Abbey and husband Frank of Bakersfield, Calif. and Sandra Greenlee and husband Garth of Cortez; sister-in-law, Lorraine Bewley of Santa Maria; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Don’s request there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lori Family Mortuary, Santa Maria, Calif.